Selma Blair is opening up with a message of hope, sharing that she is feeling strong and steady years after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. The “Dancing With The Stars” alum, 53, said during an appearance on “Today” that she is doing “really well” as she continues to navigate life with MS.
Balancing Fatigue While Embracing a New Chapter
“That’s just the truth of it. So I don’t want any of the people with chronic illness to feel like, ‘How does she do that?’ I’m like, ‘Oh no, no, that’s makeup and happiness. There’s fatigue,’” she shared. “But I am, really, really well. I am relapse-free. I’m happy.”
Blair, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, shared that fatigue remains a challenge, though she has found a routine that works for her.
GettyThe condition affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause symptoms such as numbness, dizziness, and difficulty with coordination. A relapse is defined as new or worsening symptoms lasting at least 24 hours following a period of stability.
Despite this, Blair remains positive, focusing on her abilities and the progress she has made.
Blair Prepares to Return to Acting
Blair shared that she is preparing to return to work, with filming for “Ethan Almighty – Ethan’s Law” set to begin next month.
Inspired by the viral true story of Jeff Callaway and his rescue dog, Ethan, the film follows a journey of healing and second chances.
Blair takes on the role of Claire Patterson, a woman navigating loss and faith before finding a new perspective through an unexpected connection.
The project marks a meaningful return for Blair after years of prioritizing her health and recovery.
A Lasting Bond With Christina Applegate
GettyBlair has also found strength in her close friendships, including her bond with Christina Applegate, who also lives with multiple sclerosis.
Reflecting on their shared journey, Blair spoke to US Weekly and recalled the early days of Applegate’s diagnosis.
“Right when she finished [Dead to Me], she was actually at my house, the kids were playing, and she was saying she wasn’t well, and I was going, ‘Oh, this reminds me a lot of me … I couldn’t walk, feet swelled up,’” she shared.
“I said, ‘I think you need to get an MRI,’” Blair continued.
“And she’s like, ‘Ugh,’ but she really wasn’t feeling well, and she got an MRI, and it did reveal that she had MS. … So I think we both watched every episode of The Love Boat from our beds, texting each other. There are things we would kind of commiserate [about], because we both became bed girls for a while, definitely years. So we commiserate and laugh. She definitely was kind of the tough one about MS. She was very ballsy about it. She’s amazing.”
Outside of acting, Blair has channeled her journey into a new creative venture. She recently partnered with lifestyle brand Mersea to launch a limited-edition pajama collection called Sea La Vie.
